GREENVILLE — Darke County Republican Party Executive Committee Chairwoman Katie DeLand provided an update on the local Republican Party during a recent meeting of the Republican Men’s Club, highlighting continued growth within the organization and the launch of a new Young Republicans Club in the county.
DeLand said Darke County continues to stand out because of the strength of its Republican organizations, which now include men’s, women’s, and young Republicans groups.
“For Darke County, we are a very unique county that we have such a strong men’s club, and women’s club, and as of yesterday, our newly chartered Young Republican Club,” DeLand told those in attendance.
The newest addition to the local party structure was officially launched on Friday, June 20, when Congressman Warren Davidson visited Greenville to help kick off the organization.
“Congressman Davidson kicked off the Young Republican Committee Friday at noon with 15 people in attendance,” said DeLand.
According to DeLand, the inaugural gathering was made up entirely of young men, reflecting a trend she sees developing among younger conservatives across the country.
“They were all guys, and that echoes that movement we are seeing, that Charlie Kirk movement and Turning Point movement of these young conservative men wanting to step back up and take control of their country,” DeLand stated.
Among those attending the first meeting was Versailles High School graduate Ethan Wilker, who recently received a congressional nomination from Davidson and departed for the United States Air Force Academy on Monday, June 22.
“Ethan Wilker was there,” said DeLand. “He got the nomination from Congressman Davidson, so he leaves for Colorado on Monday. We hope for good things for all these young guys and hope they come back and be in leadership in Darke County someday.”
DeLand’s leadership of the county party was praised by Darke County Commissioner President Matt Aultman, who also serves on the Darke County Republican Executive Committee.
“Katie is one of the most connected individuals I know,” Aultman said. “She can bring folks here that are impactful to our community and also make a difference in campaigns. She knows how to connect folks within our party. She’s been a real energy so we have well-versed events that people want to attend.”
Aultman also announced that DeLand has been re-elected to serve another two-year term as chair of the Darke County Republican Party.
“Katie does a great job, and that is why she’s been our party chair for five years,” said Aultman. “We just elected her for another two years as Party Chair here in Darke County because she brings a lot to the table for us.”
With the addition of the Young Republicans Club and continued participation from established men’s and women’s organizations, local Republican leaders expressed optimism about developing future leadership and maintaining strong grassroots involvement throughout Darke County.
